- Absolute - Do not use. No exceptions.
- Caution — Stop session if symptoms occur or consult first.
- Consult First — Generally manageable with professional guidance.
Know Before You Pulse.
Absolute Contraindications — Do Not Use
Battery-Operated Implanted Devices
Individuals with any battery-operated implanted electronic device must not receive PEMF. This includes pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), cochlear implants, intrathecal pumps, neurostimulators, and spinal cord stimulators.
Organ Transplant Recipients
Individuals who have received an organ transplant and are on immunosuppressive therapy should not receive PEMF sessions without explicit clearance from their transplant physician.
Pregnancy
PEMF should not be used on or near the abdomen or lower back of a pregnant person. There are no known studies confirming safety for fetal development, and no confirmed evidence of harm — but the absence of research is itself a reason for caution.
Caution — Use with Care or Consult First
Active Bleeding
Do not apply PEMF directly over an area with active or suspected internal bleeding. Minor surface seeping may be acceptable with monitoring, but sessions should be stopped immediately if bleeding increases or cannot be controlled.
External Metal Fixators
PEMF can be used over internal hardware (pins, plates, screws, joint replacements) without concern. However, external metal fixators — those protruding through the skin — require consultation with a medical professional before use in the surrounding area.
Certain Stents
Most passive (non-electronic) stents are compatible with PEMF use. However, some stents contain electronic or magnetically sensitive components. Check with your physician or the stent manufacturer to confirm compatibility before proceeding.
Active Cancer
Do not apply PEMF directly over an area of known or suspected malignancy. Research on PEMF and cancer is ongoing and results are mixed — some studies suggest potential benefits in certain contexts, while others raise theoretical concerns about cell proliferation.
Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy)
Individuals with a diagnosed seizure disorder should consult their neurologist before using PEMF, particularly at higher intensity settings.
Graves' Disease / Hyperthyroidism
Individuals with active Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism should use PEMF with caution, particularly at high intensities.
Blood Clots / Deep Vein Thrombosis
Do not apply PEMF directly over a known or suspected blood clot. Increased blood flow and cellular stimulation in an area with a thrombus presents a theoretical risk of dislodgement.
Breast Implants
High-intensity PEMF over breast implants has historically been noted as a potential concern for implant material. Modern implants are generally considered safe in this context, but consult your surgeon before applying high-powered PEMF directly over the implant area.
Consult First — Generally Usable with Professional Guidance
Recent Surgery or Acute Injuries
PEMF is used extensively in post-surgical and injury recovery contexts, but always consult your physician or surgeon before applying PEMF over a recent surgical site or acute injury.
Internal Metal Implants
Passive (non-electronic) internal metal implants — joint replacements, dental implants, rods, plates, and screws — are generally compatible with PEMF.
Children
PEMF has been used safely in pediatric contexts, but there is limited formal research on children specifically. Children can receive PEMF with appropriate parental oversight and ideally with guidance from a healthcare professional familiar with PEMF.
Absolute Contraindications — Do Not Use
Electronic Implanted Devices
Animals fitted with any battery-operated implanted electronic device should not receive PEMF near the device. Standard microchips are passive RFID devices and are not affected by PEMF.
Active Colic (Equine)
Do not use PEMF on a horse showing active signs of colic until the animal has been assessed and cleared by a veterinarian.
Active or Suspected Internal Bleeding
Do not apply PEMF over any area with known or suspected active internal bleeding, hemorrhage, or hematoma that has not been evaluated by a veterinarian.
Caution — Consult or Use with Care
Pregnancy
PEMF is not recommended for use directly over the abdomen of a pregnant animal, particularly in the first and second trimesters.
Active Infections or Fever
Do not apply PEMF directly over areas of known active infection, and use caution with animals presenting systemic fever.
Open Wounds & Surgical Sites
Avoid direct application of PEMF over open wounds, fresh surgical incisions, or areas of compromised skin integrity unless specifically directed by a veterinary professional.
Fungal Infections
PEMF may worsen active fungal infections. Animals with skin lesions of unknown origin should have fungal causes ruled out before treatment.
Known or Suspected Neoplasia (Cancer)
Do not apply PEMF directly over an area of known or suspected cancer or tumor growth. Consult the treating veterinarian before use.
Undiagnosed Injuries or Conditions
Always consult with your veterinarian before using PEMF on any new, undiagnosed injury or condition.
Consult First — Generally Manageable
Animals on Medications
Improved circulation and cellular activity may accelerate medication metabolism and change timing or effectiveness.
Very Young Animals
PEMF has been used on young animals including foals and puppies, but formal research in very young animals remains limited.
Organ Transplant Recipients
Animals that have undergone organ transplantation and are on immunosuppressive therapy should receive PEMF only under veterinary guidance.
How PEMF Interacts with Medications.
PEMF enhances cellular function and circulation — which can affect how medications behave in the body. When a person or animal on medication receives PEMF, the therapy may accelerate drug metabolism: the medication reaches its peak effect sooner, but may also wear off more quickly. This is not inherently dangerous, but it requires awareness and timing consideration. Consult a physician or veterinarian in the following cases:
Cancer Treatments
Anticoagulants / Blood Thinners
Insulin & Diabetes Medications
Blood Pressure Medications
Thyroid Medications
Immunosuppressants
Controlled Substances & Sedatives
Autoimmune Disease Medications
General Guidance: PEMF is a wellness modality, not a pharmaceutical. But because it works at the cellular level to enhance function and circulation, it can influence how the body processes medications. The interaction is generally manageable — it requires awareness, timing consideration, and communication with your healthcare or veterinary team. It is not a reason to avoid PEMF; it is a reason to use it thoughtfully.
The Field Extends Beyond the Body.
When a MagnaWave machine is in operation, the electromagnetic field does not stop at the surface of the body. The field extends outward — approximately 40 inches into the air and 16 inches into the body. This field can interact with electronic devices in the immediate environment.
This is not a health hazard — it is a technology protection concern. Electronic devices brought within range of an active machine can have their data corrupted, batteries drained, or function disrupted. Simple awareness and distance prevent any issues.
As a rule: keep sensitive electronics at least 6 feet away from an active MagnaWave machine and ensure that anyone in the room has removed or secured the devices listed below.
40"
16"
Field penetration into the body
6ft
Recommended device clearance distance
Keep These 6+ Feet Away
From all active MagnaWave machines during sessions
Credit & Debit Cards
Magnetic stripe data can be erased by the field
Key Fobs & Smart Keys
Electronic transponders in vehicle keys can be disrupted
Cell Phones
Can experience interference or battery effects during exposure
Computers, Tablets & Laptops
Electronic components and storage can be affected
Smart Watches & Fitness Trackers
Wearable electronics should be removed before entering the field
Hearing Aids
Battery-operated hearing devices should be removed before sessions
Wireless Headphones & Earbuds
Bluetooth devices can experience interference within field range
Before Every Session: The Safety Checklist.
A brief pre-session review takes less than two minutes and ensures every session is safe, appropriate, and effective. Use this checklist before working on any new client — human or animal — and review it periodically for ongoing clients whose circumstances may change.
For the Person Receiving PEMF
Review before every new human client session
Do they have a pacemaker, ICD, cochlear implant, intrathecal pump, or any other battery-operated implanted electronic device?
If yes, do not proceed.
Is the person pregnant?
If yes, do not apply to or near the abdomen or lower back. Consult their OB before any session.
Have they received an organ transplant and are on
immunosuppressants? If yes, physician clearance is required before proceeding.
Is there active bleeding anywhere on the body?
Minor surface seeping may be acceptable. Stop if bleeding increases during the session.
Do they have any external metal fixators, stents, or recent surgical hardware?
Clarify implant type and confirm compatibility with their physician.
Are they currently on any medications?
Note any relevant medications and consult as needed. Adjust session timing if appropriate.
Have they removed all electronic devices?
Credit cards, key fobs, phones, smart watches, and hearing aids should be secured at least 6 feet from the machine.
For the Animal Receiving PEMF
Review before every new animal client session
Does the animal have any active electronic implants?
Standard microchips are not a concern. Active electronic devices are. Do not proceed if present.
Is the horse showing signs of active colic?
If yes, do not use PEMF until a veterinarian has assessed the animal and provided clearance.
Is there known or suspected active internal bleeding?
Do not proceed. Veterinary evaluation is required first.
Is the animal pregnant?
Do not apply directly to the abdomen. Consult the veterinarian about appropriate session placement.
Does the animal have any open wounds, skin lesions, or active infections?
Rule out fungal infection before treating skin lesions. Avoid direct application over open wounds without veterinary direction.
Is the animal currently on any medications?
Note the medications, dosing schedule, and consult the veterinarian about session timing to avoid interference with drug metabolism.
Is there any known or suspected neoplasia?
Consult the veterinarian or oncologist before treating. Do not apply directly over tumor sites.
Contraindications FAQs
Can I use PEMF if I have a metal joint replacement or internal plate?
Yes, in most cases. Passive (non-electronic) metal implants such as joint replacements, rods, plates, and screws are not a contraindication for PEMF. The electromagnetic field interacts with the body’s electrical systems — not with inert metal structures. At very high intensity settings, some users report brief discomfort near the implant site due to nerve stimulation in the surrounding area. If this occurs, simply reduce the intensity. The absolute contraindication is for electronically powered implants (pacemakers, cochlear implants, neurostimulators) — not for passive hardware.
My horse has a microchip. Is PEMF safe?
Yes. Standard animal identification microchips are passive RFID devices — they have no battery and are not powered. They are not affected by the electromagnetic field produced by a MagnaWave machine. The contraindication applies only to active, battery-operated electronic implants. You do not need to avoid the microchip site during sessions.
The current MagnaWave page says "no research available" for pregnancy. Is that accurate?
It is accurate that no definitive research establishes PEMF as either safe or harmful during pregnancy. The contraindication is precautionary — not because evidence of harm exists, but because the evidence of safety has not been established for fetal development. Most PEMF manufacturers and practitioners take the same precautionary position. In practical terms: do not apply PEMF to or near the abdomen or lower back of a pregnant person. Other body areas can be discussed with the individual’s OB or midwife.
Can PEMF be used alongside chiropractic, massage, or acupuncture?
Yes. PEMF is generally considered complementary to most other wellness modalities and is commonly combined with massage therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, physical therapy, and other approaches. Many MagnaWave practitioners and machine owners use PEMF as part of a comprehensive care protocol alongside other modalities. For animals under active veterinary care, consult your veterinarian before combining PEMF with other treatments during recovery from surgery or an acute condition.
My animal is on medication. Should I still use PEMF?
In most cases, yes — with awareness. PEMF enhances cellular function and circulation, which can accelerate the metabolism of certain medications. The drug may peak sooner and wear off faster than expected. This is manageable: consult your veterinarian about session timing relative to medication dosing, particularly for insulin, blood pressure medications, anticoagulants, and controlled substances. This is not a reason to avoid PEMF — it is a reason to use it in coordination with your veterinary care team.
What do I do if an animal seems uncomfortable or agitated during a session?
Stop the session and assess the animal. Mild signs of curiosity or initial adjustment to the sensation are normal — particularly in first-time patients. But persistent agitation, behavioral change, or signs of distress are a signal to end the session and evaluate. Reduce the intensity for the next session and consider whether the animal has an undiagnosed condition that should be evaluated by a veterinarian before continuing. Animals cannot communicate discomfort verbally — monitoring behavior during and after sessions is part of responsible practice.
I'm a practitioner. Where can I get more in-depth training on contraindications and protocols?
MPower — MagnaWave’s certification program — provides in-depth training on contraindications, safety protocols, client intake procedures, informed consent, and best practices for both animal and human PEMF application. The Certification level includes a full module on professional practice and risk-aware decision making. Every MagnaWave machine purchase includes access to MPower Essentials, and full certification is included with purchase. You can also contact our Education Department directly at education@magnawavepemf.com.
Have Questions About PEMF Safety?
Our Education Department and certified practitioners are available to help. For deeper clinical guidance on contraindications and protocols, MPower certification provides the most comprehensive training in the industry.